Two common examples of rates that
occur frequently in Problem Solving include speed (i.e., miles per hour)
and work (i.e., units per minute). This basic relationship may be illustrated
by the basic rate formula for motion:
There are a few points to keep in minds when
presented with a rate question:
- Rate questions take on different forms; some
involve average rates, some involve combined rates, while many others
simply test the basic rate formula. All of these questions are essentially
proportion problems, and can be solved by using one of three
rate formulas.
- The key to solving many rate problems is to
identify the formula that corresponds to the question, and to
identify what formula component you are being asked to solve
for.
- Rates include units that measure quantities
such as time, distance, and cost. Such units can take on different forms.
Time, for instance, may be measured in seconds, minutes, or hours. It
is important to keep track of units when solving rate problems, and
to make sure you have converted to the appropriate unit before answering
the question.
Now let's learn more about the basic rate problems.
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